LibGuides: Physician Assistant: Professional Associations

Physician Assistant Professional Organizations and Associations

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the national professional society for Physician Assistants. Founded in 1968, the Academy has chapters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. They also have chapters that represent physician assistants working for the Public Health Service, the Department of Veteran's Affairs, and all branches of the military. The mission of the AAPA is to "promote quality, cost effective, and accessible health care and to promote the professional and personal development of Physician Assistants". Major activities to accomplish this goal include government relations, public education, research and data collection, and professional development. Eighty percent of all practicing physician assistants are members of AAPA. Members are graduates of accredited physician assistant programs and/or those who are nationally certified. Students at accredited programs are also eligible for membership. The AAPA's Physician Assistant Foundation (PAF) provides funds for scholarships and research on the PA profession. The web site for AAPA provides a variety of information on the profession. For more information, contact: American Academy of Physician Assistants 950 North Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314-1552 Phone: (703) 836-2272 Fax: (703) 684-1924 Web site: www.aapa.org E-mail: aapa@aapa.org
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is an independent organization established to assure the competency of physician assistants. The NCCPA was formed in 1975 by the AAPA and other health professional associations in order to administer a national certifying examination to graduates of accredited PA programs. The initial examination (PANCE) and the recertification examination (PANRE) are designed to test the medical knowledge and clinical skills of Physician Assistants. For more information, contact: NCCPA 12000 Findley Road, Suite 200 Duluth, GA 30097-1409 Phone: (678) 417-8100 Fax: (678) 417-8135 Web site: www.nccpa.net E-mail: nccpa@nccpa.net
Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) was founded in 1972 to help maintain the high quality of PA education, PAEA's objectives are to encourage communication among the programs and to serve as a national information center on PA education. PAEA publishes the "National Directory of PA Programs", giving complete information on the names, locations, requirements, tuition, length, and degree(s) awarded for each of the accredited PA programs. The directory is available to the public for a small fee. For more information, contact: Physician Assistant Education Association 655 K Street NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (703) 548-5538 Fax: (703) 684-1924 Web site: www.paeaonline.org

State Associations

California Academy of PAs (CAPA) The mission of the California Academy of Physician Associates is to represent and serve PAs statewide. As an advocate of its members for the provision of quality healthcare, in collaboration with all healthcare professionals, CAPA will enhance, educate and empower PAs for the ultimate benefit of their patients.
Texas Association of Physician Assistants (TAPA) The Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) is a thriving group of over 2,500 Physician Assistants and students from all across the Lone Star State. TAPA was established as a non-profit organization in February 1975 by a few physician assistants who functioned under the delegatory privileges of physicians provided in the Medical Practice Act. Texas Academy of Physician Assistants PO Box 4968 Lago Vista, TX 78645 800-280-7655 Website: https://tapa.org/ Email: admin@tapa.org